Baseline Medical

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors That May Surprise You Allentown Bethlehem Easton Quakertown

Managing your blood pressure is the best thing you can do to help lower your risk of Heart Disease the #1 Killer, and Stroke the #3 Killer and #1 Disabler, in the United States, experts say.

Yet many people don't realize they have high blood pressure, the #1 leading risk factor according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Remember that American Heart Month is in February and American Stroke Month is in May, nevertheless heart and stroke experts outline these top risk factors seen here for high blood pressure that really apply every month - all year.

Family history. If your parents or a close relative had high blood pressure, you're also at risk for the condition. It's a good idea to research your family's medical history in order to find out if high blood pressure runs in the family. And if you know nothing about your family (i.e. adopted) get screened by Baseline Medical and get some answers.

Advanced age. As people age, they're at increased risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This is because blood vessels lose flexibility with aging, which leads to increasing pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Gender. Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure until age 45. Between ages 45 to 50 and 55 to 64, the risk for high blood pressure is about the same for men and women. After age 64, women are much more likely than men to have high blood pressure.

Being inactive. Sitting at your desk or on your couch too much increases your risk of having high blood pressure. Getting regular exercise is a natural way to lower it.

Too much salt. Salt keeps excess fluid in the body that can add to the burden on the heart, increasing high blood pressure risk. Keep your sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.

Being overweight or obese. Watch your weight. If you are overweight, losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can help lower blood pressure.

Drinking too much. Heavy and regular alcohol consumption can lead to a dramatic increase in blood pressure and also cause heart failure, stroke, and "arrhythmias" which refer to many patterns of irregular heartbeats. If you do alcohol, it is best to limit your consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

About Dave Brown, BA MS RVT - Owner - Baseline Medical: Dave Brown initiated the foundation for Baseline Medical over 40 years ago with required science courses as a college undergraduate. In the early 1980's Dave began to focus on an emerging new field in medical diagnostic health care called vascular ultrasound. He became fully registered in Vascular Technology earning the RVT credential. Carotid artery screenings are performed in his office and onsite at workplace wellness clinics and more.